When you first arrive at a donation session, you have to register and complete a short, confidential donor health check, during which a small blood sample will be taken from your finger to test your haemoglobin (red blood cell) levels.

Donors are also encouraged to eat as normal during the day and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

Next is the donation itself which, after a slight scratch when the needle is first inserted, doesn’t feel at all uncomfortable. It only takes six to seven minutes.